Setting career goals provides a clear picture of where we see ourselves by the end of the year and motivates us to excel within our positions. One of the best ways that helped me stay on track in my career and be enthusiastic is by setting clear goals for myself.
Collectively, our aim may include landing a specific job or promotion, learning a new skill or earning a certain amount of money.
It is important to note that whatever your goals may be, always ensure they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). One of the ways to remain focused and motivated throughout the year is to develop a clear career roadmap for whatever you want to achieve. Some career goals and ideas to help you plan for the new year are:
Grow your network
One of the essentials of a successful career is networking. Developing connections is vital to make the necessary advancements in your profession since you will never know when a referral or advice will come in handy.
Networks help to build relationships, learn about new opportunities, and gain valuable insights from others in the industry. I will advise anyone having difficulties in networking to start by connecting with co-workers and friends to build their confidence to attend events and meet others.
Also, it is crucial to set a measurable goal of the specific number of people, events and associations to build relationships with throughout the year.
Learn a new skill and keep up with industry trends
To be competitive in today’s market, one will require developing a new skill and a continuous learning approach. Demonstrating one’s expertise and commitment to learning will make you more likely to stand out and advance in your career.
Some of these include taking courses and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your particular industry. It is necessary to analyse your current skill set and identify other skills or expertise to enhance your knowledge.
Once you find the skill set you want to develop, you should research the various courses and resources available. The GIZ Ghana Job-Fair programme has created opportunities for job seekers to acquire the necessary skills and mindsets for innovative and sustainable approaches.
Seek Feedback and Continuously Improve
Receiving feedback gracefully and taking action to make the necessary improvements boost one’s performance in the workplace. These further create a healthy work environment where everyone can thrive.
It is critical to actively and openly listen to feedback from your team. Being on the receiving end of feedback helps you to be more empathetic.
It is also expedient to seek some response from colleagues, supervisors and mentors to get a sense of what you are doing well and where you can improve.
It is vital to use such feedback to set specific goals for yourself and work on the areas where you need improvement that will enable you to succeed and advance in your career by continually striving to improve and grow.
Challenging Yourself with New Responsibilities
Introducing your challenges at work will not improve your career performance per se but also provide the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills and further career prospects.
By adopting this approach in your current role, you will gain invaluable skills and experience that will seamlessly transfer you into your next position when you are ready to move on. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to volunteer for new opportunities or ask for additional responsibilities.
Increase your productivity
Modern working life involves coping with lots of potential distractions. One of the ways to increase your performance at your workplace is by boosting your productivity.
I believe that challenging yourself to become more efficient eliminates old habits, and you will realise the impact of taking those small steps to become a better worker.
Further your education
One of the ways to shift your perspective and provide a different point of view to accomplish tasks is by gaining more knowledge through higher education or workshops.
As you plan to advance your career, having a degree, attending seminars and workshops, or participating in webinars can provide an advantage over others in the industry. Furthering your education can provide new insights and ideas that you can use to make changes within your career.
Source: Graphiconline
